Katie Taylor promising best-ever performance versus her mandatory challenger
It might be harsh to describe it as an ‘afterthought’ but Katie Taylor‘s world title defence this weekend in London has gone under the radar to a degree.
With big fights with big names on the horizon, the IBF and WBA lightweight champion’s mandatory defence versus Kimberley Connor [13(5)-3(1)-2] on the Dillian Whyte v Joseph Parker pay-per-view undercard is being looked at by many as something of a ‘gimme’ fight.
1/100 on to defeat an opponent whose record compares quite unfavourably to Taylor, some are already looking ahead to the Wicklow woman’s scheduled fight with Cindy Serrano in Chicago on October 6th.
Not Taylor [9(4)-0], however, who is promising a career-best performance at the O2 Arena on Saturday night as the unified champion rolls into what could be described as the second stage of her pro career.
The Bray 32-year-old told Sky Sports at today’s public workout that “it’s definitely been a perfect start so far but the best is yet to come as well which is the best thing.”
“I’m so excited for Saturday night, I feel like I’m in the best shape of my career and the best form of my career.”
“I definitely feel like I’m improving all the time, I’m ready to go.”
While 38-year-old Connor was soundly defeated by Taylor’s most recent foe, Victoria Noelia Bustos, the Irishwoman is not taking her eye of the Texan two-time world title challenger.
Taylor noted how “it’s against a tough opponent again and I think she’s going to get the best out of me as well.
“I always train as if I’m the challenger, I never take anyone for granted, I feel like I’m in the best shape possible.”
In case you missed Ireland's Katie Taylor dismantling Monica Gentili on the Haye Bellew Card #boxing #hayebellew pic.twitter.com/khebykFf2x
— MMAmicks.com ☘ (@MMAmicks) March 7, 2017
One of the chief supports on the Sky Box Office bill, the fight will be Taylor’s fifth pro contest in London and second at the O2 Arena following her highlight-reel KO win over Monica Gentili last March.
“I love boxing here in London,” admitted the fighter who has unfortunately seen an Irish homecoming indefinitely shelved.
“I’ve obviously great memories here from the London Olympics as well.”
“I boxed at the O2 before and the atmosphere is always electric here. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”
“I really am excited for Saturday night, I’m excited to put on a good performance.
Watch Katie Taylor’s public workout in full below:
Video courtesy of IFL TV
